Gay rights supporters cheer 'Day of Decision'

By Drew Joseph :
June 26, 2013

The crowd started small and quiet, waving signs that said, “Love is Love” and “Standing on the side of love with immigrant families.” It started to grow, with more than 100 shouting a call-and-repeat chant. “We are! Somebody! We demand! Full equality! Right here! Right now!”

The group staged the “Day of Decision” rally Wednesday evening at the Bexar County Courthouse to celebrate two Supreme Court rulings that are being hailed as victories for same-sex unions and gay rights.

The court on Wednesday ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and by refusing to rule on California's Proposition 8, allowed that state to recognize gay marriage. The rulings do not undo gay marriage bans in states like Texas.

Some at the rally noted how the decisions may not affect Texas couples, but that they sent a meaningful signal.

“This is a small step, but it's really a big step,” said William McCoy, 21, a San Antonio native who studies in Scotland. He said he thought he might not return to Texas or even the United States because here he isn't viewed as equal. Today's news “makes me reconsider.”

David Plylar, 75, told the crowd how his daughter is about to celebrate her one-year anniversary with her wife in New York, where gay marriage is legal.

“Before I die, I want to make damn sure she's just as married here as she is in New York,” Plylar said.

“We still have a long way to go in Texas,” said Jennifer Falcon, the lead organizer of GetEqual Texas in San Antonio, the rally organizers.

The afternoon sun drove many out of the sun to huddle along the courthouse. “This is a revolution in the shade,” said one person holding up an American flag.

Dee Villarrubia was there to celebrate. “I'm 67 and I never thought I'd see this day,” she said.

Villarrubia still struggles to “come out” to new people, though she has been advocating for gay rights since 1972, she said.

She can't drive with a broken wrist and shoulder and asked a neighbor to bring her to the rally. “I had to come out again so I could get a ride here,” she said.

The rally, which included a number of speeches by local activists, attracted onlookers from across the street but had not drawn protestors as of 7 p.m.

Many wore red, flew rainbow banners and American flags. A young girl danced, holding a neon yellow sign that said, “Gay + str8, love is a family issue.”